Method and apparatus for therapeutic laser treatment

ABSTRACT

The therapeutic laser apparatus ( 10 ) includes at least two wands ( 50 ) connected to a controller ( 210 ) and radiation source ( 155 ) via fiber optic cables ( 135, 140 ). The controller ( 210 ) and source ( 155 ) include at least two infrared wavelength solid-state diode (“SSD”) lasers ( 165 ) and at least two visible wavelength SSD aiming lasers ( 170 ). The apparatus ( 10 ) further includes a combiner ( 195 ) configured to maintain the electromagnetic radiation from one infrared SSD laser ( 165 ) coincident with one visible light SSD aiming laser ( 170 ). In the method according to the invention, the visible light SSD aiming laser ( 170 ) is used as a pointer so that an operator can position wands ( 125, 130 ) adjacent to the skin of a mammal whereby the beams ( 127, 132 ) of infrared treatment lasers ( 165 ) intersect at a region (B) inside the body (A) of the mammal.

[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/281,443 filed Mar. 29, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No.6,______ issued,______, 2001.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The invention is directed to an apparatus and a method forapplying laser beam energy in the treatment of medical conditions. Morespecifically, the present invention is concerned with an apparatus thatuses wands emitting visible laser beam energy and invisible infraredlaser beam energy. The method of the invention comprises positioning thewands over the patient in a manner such that the infrared radiation fromthe wands intersects within the body of the animal that is subjected totherapy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The application of laser beam energy in the treatment of medicalconditions has been investigated since the early 1970's. Numerousinvestigators have demonstrated that the application of low power laserbeam energy on the order of 1 to 100 milliwatts and at varying wavelengths (e.g., 700-1100 nanometers) (“nm”) is effective in the treatmentof various medical conditions. Low-level laser beam energy has beenshown to enhance wound healing and reduce the development of scar tissueafter surgical procedures. Such energy has also been shown to relievestiff joints and promote the healing of injured joints, stimulate thebody's ability to heal fractures and large contusions, as well asenhancing the healing of decubitus ulcers.

[0004] Medical and dental applications for low level laser beam energyof varying wave lengths also include pain control, nerve stimulation,reduction of edema, reduction of inflammation, arthritis, muscle andtendon injuries, and stimulation of the body's neurohormone system.Other applications have demonstrated increased activity in cellsspecifically connected with the immune system and antigen response.

[0005] The mechanisms of how the tissues of a mammal respond to lowpower laser beam energy is not well elucidated or understood.Therapeutic laser treatments of humans, animals, and biological tissueshave been commonly referred to as “photobiostimulation” treatments.Suggestions have been made that the process of photobiostimulationaccelerates the initial phase of wound healing by altering the levels ofprostaglandins. It has also been suggested the laser beam energyincreases ATP synthesis, accelerates collagen synthesis, and increasesthe ability of immune cells to ward off invading pathogens. See, e.g.,Bolognami et al., “Effects of GaAs Pulsed Lasers on ATP Concentrationand ATPase Activity In Vitro and In Vivo,” International Cong. On Lasersin Medicine and Surgery, p. 47 (1985); Karu and Letokhov, “BiologicalAction of Low-Intensity Monochromatic Light in the Visible Range,” LaserPhotobiology and Photomedicine, ed. Martellucci, pp. 57-66 (Plenum Press1985); Passarella et al., “Certain Aspects of Helium-Neon LaserIrradiation on Biological Systems in Vitro,” Ibid. at pp. 67-74.

[0006] Conventional low power (less than 100 milliwatts) lasertherapeutic devices generally comprise a hand held probe with a singlelaser beam source, or a large stationary table console with attachedprobes powered by a conventional fixed power supply. A common laser beamsource is the laser diode. Laser diodes are readily available in varyingpower and wavelength combinations. Large probes containing multiplelaser diodes are also known.

[0007] Isakov et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 4,069,823, disclose an apparatusfor laser therapy including one or several lasers, a light guide and afocusing barrel wherein there are at least two platforms for transverseand longitudinal travel so that tissue can be dissected. The patent alsodiscloses the use of a visible light beam that coincides with the laserbeam thus allowing the surgeon to accurately aim the invisible laserbeam to the required point. CO₂ lasers with wavelengths in the area of1060 nm are employed. This patent also suggests laser beam densities ofup to 10⁵ watts per square centimeter.

[0008] Kanazawa et al. disclose in U.S. Pat. No. 4,640,283, a method ofcuring athlete's foot by laser beam irradiation. This patent disclosesthe use of a laser such as a CO₂ laser or a YAG laser that emits a laserbeam in the infrared region having a wavelength of 700 nm or more.Energy levels are disclosed as two joules per centimeter squared or morefor a period of ten milliseconds or less. This patent does not suggestor disclose the use of an apparatus including at least two wands for thelaser therapy of medical conditions such as arthritis and bursitis.

[0009] Muchel in U.S. Pat. No. 4,699,839 discloses an optical system fortherapeutic use of laser light. The Muchel instrument provides forcombined observation of and laser treatment of a portion of a humanbody, such as an eye. This patent discloses the construction of mainobjective lenses within certain parameters adapted to combine lasertherapy radiation from multiple sources. One source emits radiationhaving a wavelength of, for example, 1064 nm. A second source emitslaser target light radiation having a wavelength of 633 nm. And a thirdsource emits an observation light in the visible spectrum range of from480 nnl to 644 nm.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,671,285 to Walker discloses the treatment ofhuman neurological problems by laser photo simulation. This patentrelates to a method of treating nerve damage in humans by applying anessentially monochromic light to the skin area adjacent to the damagednerve region. The inventor describes the use of a helium neon laser(632.5 nm, 1 milliwatt, and 20 hertz) with a fiber optic probe, which isheld against the skin of the patient. The inventor also states thatirradiation with infrared lasers (1090 nm) had no effect. This referenceactually teaches away from the present invention.

[0011] Liss et al. teach in U.S. Pat. No. 4,724,835 a therapeutic laserdevice using a pulsed laser wave. The Liss et al. device uses a galliumaluminum arsenide diode as the source of laser energy that is in theinfrared band (wavelength of approximately 900 nm).

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4,396,285 to Presta et al. relates to a lasersystem for medical applications that has at least two lasers and amovable concave reflector. One of the beams, an imaging beam, is alignedto impinge on the reflector, to reflect therefrom and to impinge on abiological specimen. The reflector is moved until the beam is aligned toimpinge on the desired location of the specimens. The second beam isalso aligned to impinge on the reflector to reflect therefrom and toimpinge on the same desired position as that impinged upon by the firstbeam. The second laser is typically disclosed to be a CO₂ laser thatgenerates the second beam having a wavelength of 10.6 microns. ThePresta system is disclosed as being useful for microsurgery. Thisreference does not disclose a laser therapy apparatus wherein thetherapeutic radiation and the targeting radiation are merged so as to becoincidental on the surface of the patient's skin and at least two wandsfor positioning the intersection of the beams within the body of thepatient.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 4,930,504 to Diamantopoulos et al. relates to adevice for biostimulation of tissue which comprises an array ofmonochromic radiation sources of a plurality of wavelengths, preferablyat least three different wavelengths. For example, this patent disclosesthe treatment of patients with a multi-diode biostimulation devicehaving emitted frequencies of 660 nm, 820 nm, 880 nm, and 950 nm. Thepower levels disclosed are between 5 milliwatts and 500 milliwatts. Thispatent also discloses obtaining the radiation from a plurality ofsources whose outputs are combined to a single emergence region withflexible optic fibers.

[0014] Labbé et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 5,021,452, disclose a process forimproving wound healing which comprises administering ascorbate orderivatives of ascorbate to the wound site and then irradiating thewound site with a low power laser at a wavelength of about 600 nm toabout 1100 nm. This patent discloses that the laser can either be apulsed or a continuous wave laser with energy outputs ranging from 1.0millijoule per square centimeter to about 1000 millijoules per squarecentimeter. This reference does not suggest or disclose an apparatusincluding at least two wands with a combined beam of therapeuticradiation and targeting radiation which are used to intersect thetherapeutic radiation beams within the body of the animal subject totreatment.

[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,349 to Johnson et al. discloses a diode laserdevice for photocoagulation of the retina. The inventors disclose thatthe elliptical laser beam is shaped into a circle by an optical systembefore it is coupled to the fiber optic cable of the delivery system.

[0016] Mendes et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,380, discloses a lighttherapy system utilizing an array of light emitting diodes which emitnon-coherent light in a narrow band width centered at a designatedwavelength. The non-coherent light is generated by an array ofconventional light emitting diodes with wavelengths in the red orinfrared bandwidth. Infrared frequencies in the area of 940 nm, moreparticularly 880 nm are disclosed.

[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,482 to Diamantopoulos discloses a probe forbiomodulation. The probe includes a semiconductor laser and a drivecircuit adapted to operate the laser to emit pulses and bursts. Thesystem according to this patent has a laser beam wavelength of 850 nmand a frequency of 352×103 GHz pulsed at 300,000 and additionallymodulated at a frequency of from 1 Hz to 2 GHz

[0018] Bellinger in U.S. Pat. No. 5,445,146 describes a laser system forthe stimulation of biological tissue that emits radiation with a powerof from 100 to 800 milliwatts in either a pulsed or continuous mode. Thelaser disclosed has a fundamental wavelength of 1064 nm and delivers anenergy density of from about one joule per square centimeter to about 15joules per square centimeter.

[0019] Smith in U.S. Pat. No. 5,464,436 discloses a laser therapyapparatus having a wavelength in the range of 800 to 870 nm and morepreferably about 830 nm. The laser light is delivered to the afflictedarea at a level of about one joule per square centimeter. Smith alsosuggests that the afflicted area be monitored after the treatment cycleand that treatment steps be repeated to the afflicted area.

[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 5,527,350 to Grove et al. discloses a method fortreating psoriasis through the use of pulsed infrared laser irradiation.An infrared diode laser is used having a wavelength of 800 nm and apulse duration in the millisecond range. Energy levels of 5.0 to 50joules per square centimeter are disclosed.

[0021] U.S. Pat. No. 5,616,140 to Prescott discloses a portable laserbandage having one or many lasers or hyper-red light emitting diodesembedded in the bandage. The hyper-red light emitting diodes aredisclosed as having wavelengths of about 670 nm.

[0022] PCT Application PCT/US93/04123 (WO 93/21993) discloses a lowlevel laser for soft tissue treatment wherein the laser is a Nd:YAGlaser, which produces 100 to 800 milliwatts in a pulsed or continuousmode.

[0023] In an article entitled: “Low-Intensity Laser Reduces ArthritisSymptoms” by Pfieiffer in the Journal of Clinical Laser Medicine &Surgery, Vol. 10, No.6, (1992), the author reviews various clinicalstudies using infrared and red lasers in the treatment of arthritis.This publication makes no disclosure of any specific laser therapyapparatus.

[0024] In a research report by Beckerman et al. entitled: “The Efficacyof Laser Therapy for Musculoskeletal and Skin Disorders: ACriteria-Based Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials,” PhysicalTherapy, Vol. 72, No.7, July, 1992, the authors review the results of 36randomized clinical trials involving laser therapy. The articleconcludes that laser therapy seems to have a substantial, specifictherapeutic effect. The authors also point out that it is difficult todetermine the optimal dosage and treatment schedules. Further, theauthors note that the minimal effective dosage in most cases is unknownand that additional questions need to be resolved regarding the optimalwavelength.

[0025] While a substantial amount of prior art exists regarding the useof laser therapies in medical conditions, no one has described orsuggested an apparatus that comprises at least two wands that emitcoincident visible and infrared radiation, wherein the infraredradiation has a wavelength of about 1000 nm. Further, none of the priorinvestigators have suggested aiming the at least two wands on thesurface of the animal being treated so as to have the therapeuticinfrared radiation beams intersect inside the animal's body at the siteof therapy.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION & INDUSTRIALAPPLICABILITY

[0026] The therapeutic laser apparatus according to the invention has atleast two independent fiber optic laser outputs terminating with wandsthat have apertures with variable foci. The inventive apparatus also hasa main function block wherein the therapeutic infrared radiation iscombined with visible laser light and fed into fiber optic cables viacouplers. The fiber optic cables transmit the radiation to the wands.The main function block also contains at least two infrared diode lasersand at least two red diode lasers. Through the design of at least twowands, a novel method of therapy has been discovered wherein the patientor caregiver positions the wands in such a manner that the infraredradiation (at about 1000 nm) from the wands intersects at the point oftherapy (inside the body), thereby relieving pain and promotingregeneration of tissue.

[0027] The amount of energy applied by each wand can range from about200 to about 2,000 milliwatts. Preferably, the wands are held in eachhand of the caregiver at an angle of about 45° relative to the plane ofthe patient or biological tissue undergoing treatment. The wands areslowly moved in small circular motions favoring positions that allow thebeams of laser radiation to intersect in the body at the site of themalady. As will be disclosed below, the apparatus according to theinvention can be effectively used to treat joints affected by arthritisand sore muscles. Patients with advanced forms of degenerative arthritishave experienced pain relief and, over time, revitalization of jointspreviously affected by the disease.

[0028] The concept of using heat (infrared radiation) for relief frompain has been practiced for thousands of years. Electrically heated padshave found wide spread use for pain relief on all parts of the humanbody and this application of infrared radiation for pain relief isusually referred to as diathermy. It has been discovered that thetreatment of a patient with a device according to this invention is notsimply receiving heat treatment or diathermy. The actual body mechanismsresponsible for relief from pain and revitalization of joints and othertissue are not completely understood. The inventors have observed thatthe treatments with this particular wavelength of about 1,000 nm and thedelivery mechanism of at least two wands is especially effective in thetreatment of arthritis.

[0029] In the main function block, two infrared diode lasers and two reddiode lasers are preferably coupled so that these two frequencies aretransmitted to the wands via the fiber optic cable. The combinedinfrared laser radiation and the visible laser light exit the treatmentaperture in the wand coincident and therefore provide an excellentaiming mechanism to the caregiver or patient.

[0030] The diameter of the fibers used in the apparatus according to theinvention may vary over a wide range. However, the diameter ispreferably between approximately 400 microns and approximately 800microns, and more preferably approximately 600 microns, and even morepreferably approximately 400 microns. The preferred wavelength of theinfrared lasers is between approximately 900 nm and approximately 1100nm with the best results being obtained with a wavelength of about 980nm. The low power visible aiming laser component is typically a reddiode laser having a wavelength of between about 400 nm and about 700nm, and more preferably between about 635 nm and about 640 nm. Thewavelength of approximately 635-640 nm is preferred because of its highvisibility and minimized effect on the human eye. The power output perwand can range from about 0.0001 milliwatts watts to about 2.0 watts.

[0031] Thus, there is disclosed a device for biostimulation ofbiological tissue that includes

[0032] a) at least two radiation sources emitting a first wavelength ofbetween approximately 900 nm to approximately 1100 nm;

[0033] b) at least two radiation sources emitting a second wavelength ofbetween approximately 400 nm to approximately 700 nm; the radiationsources being arranged such that the first and second wavelengthssimultaneously pass through a fiber optic cable; and

[0034] c) at least two wands connected to the fiber optic cable andhaving apertures having variable focus; the wands being arranged suchthat the coincident first wavelength and second wavelength emitted fromeach wand pass through a region located within the tissue.

[0035] There is further disclosed a method for the treatment of tissueincluding:

[0036] a) providing at least two infrared laser radiation sources havinga wavelength of between approximately 900 nm to approximately 1100 nm;

[0037] b) providing at least two sources of laser radiation having awavelength between approximately 400 nm and 700 nm;

[0038] c) combining the radiation sources so that the radiation of eachsource is coincident;

[0039] d) passing the coincident radiation through an optical fiber;

[0040] e) providing at least two wands connected to the optical fiber;

[0041] f) arranging the wands such that the radiation emitted from eachof the wands passes through a region located within the tissue; and

[0042] g) exposing the tissue to an irradiation beam for atherapeutically effective period of time.

[0043] Also disclosed is a device for photobiostimulation of biologicaltissue that includes:

[0044] a) a first plurality of treatment radiation sources each emittinga respective first radiation beam having a wavelength of betweenapproximately 900 nm and approximately 1100 nm;

[0045] b) a second plurality of aiming radiation sources each emitting arespective second radiation beam having a wavelength of betweenapproximately 400 nm and approximately 700 nm; wherein at least onefirst beam and one second beam concurrently pass through at least one ofa plurality of fiber optic cables; and

[0046] c) at least two wands each connected to a different one of theplurality of fiber optic cables, the wands including a collimatorconfigured to establish the focus of the emanating coincident radiationbeams; wherein the wands are arranged in an operative position about thetissue such that the radiation beams emitted from each wandsimultaneously pass approximately through a region located in thetissue.

[0047] The invention also contemplates and discloses a biostimulationdevice that includes a laser apparatus including a plurality oftreatment laser wands each connected to a laser radiation source adaptedto emit radiation having a power of between about zero and approximately2.0 watts, an energy of between about 1 joules and about 99 joules, anda wavelength of between approximately 900 nm and 1100 nm; and whereinthe laser wands are arranged in an operative position to emit theradiation incident to a region of biological tissue for atherapeutically effective length of time between approximately one andapproximately sixty minutes.

[0048] Further, a system for photobiostimulation of biological tissue isdisclosed. The system includes a controller unit including a powersupply and a control panel having operator input devices and outputdevices;

[0049] the controller unit also including a first plurality of treatmentradiation sources each emitting a respective first radiation beam havinga wavelength of between approximately 900 nm and approximately 1100 nm;

[0050] the controller unit also including a second plurality of aimingradiation sources each emitting a respective second radiation beamhaving a wavelength of between approximately 400 nm and approximately700 nm; wherein at least one first radiation beam and one secondradiation beam concurrently pass through at least one of a plurality offiber optic cables; and

[0051] at least two wands each connected to a different one of theplurality of fiber optic cables, the wands including a collimatorconfigured to establish the shape of the emanating coincident radiationbeams; wherein the wands are arranged in an operative position about thetissue such that the radiation beams emitted from each wandsimultaneously pass approximately through a region located in thetissue.

[0052] The apparatus according to the invention further includes acontroller, a control panel, a power source, and components configuredto vary the radiation power and energy, pulse frequency, pulse duration,and duration of the biostimulation treatment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053]FIG. 1 is a perspective view, in reduced scale, of abiostimulation device incorporating a therapeutic laser apparatus of thepresent invention;

[0054]FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of the operation panel ofthe therapeutic laser apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0055]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view, in enlarged scale, of the laserwands of FIG. 1;

[0056]FIG. 4 is a schematic functional representation of the laserradiation sources of the therapeutic laser apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0057]FIG. 5 is a schematic functional representation of the majorsub-components of the therapeutic laser apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0058]FIGS. 6A and 6B are functional descriptions of the method ofoperation of the therapeutic laser apparatus of the present invention;and

[0059]FIG. 7 is a side view of an embodiment of the laser wands of theapparatus of FIGS. 1 & 2, in enlarged scale, in operation and directedtowards a human knee undergoing therapeutic biostimulation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0060] The sources of radiation are preferably semiconductor laserdiodes, super-luminous diodes, or light emitting devices, and morepreferably are solid-state laser diodes (SSDs). Laser diodes or SSDsproduce a beam of light or radiation that is essentially monochromatic,sharply collimated, and coherent. That is, they produce light almostexclusively at one frequency and the light beam has a small angle ofdivergence. A number of commercially available semiconductor laserdiodes exist that are suitable for purposes of the present invention.

[0061] Referring now to FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention is a device 10 for biostimulation of biological tissue thatincludes a controller cabinet 20 that houses various subcomponents. Thecabinet 20 may be mounted to a roller pedestal 30 and it is, in oneembodiment, connected to an operator safety pedal 40 and a plurality oflaser treatment wands 50 that may be received into a laser radiationshielding receptacle 60. For convenience, the receptacle 60 may bemounted to the cabinet 20. The cabinet is formed with a control panel 70that includes various input and output devices needed for operating thedevice 10.

[0062] Also, although not shown in the various figures, the inventioncontemplates a room entry-way safety interlock. The safety interlockconnects a safety switch mounted to the door-way of the room that housesthe therapeutic laser device to the device 10. The safety switch isconfigured to de-energize all or some of the laser radiation sourcesupon opening of the door to the room. Inadvertent injury is preventedbecause laser radiation cannot escape the treatment room. In thepreferred embodiment, the entry-way safety interlock is connected to thedevice 10 and may be portably mounted on any door-way so that the device10 nay be easily moved between a plurality of treatment rooms.Additionally, although pedal 40 is shown in the various figures, thepedal 40 may be accompanied by or entirely replaced by a safety switchmounted on either or both of the laser treatment wands described below.

[0063] With continued reference to FIG. 1 and also FIG. 2, it can beunderstood that the control panel 70 further includes a master powerswitch 80, an emergency stop switch 85, and an operator's safety armingkey switch 90. If the arming key is removed from the switch 90, power tolaser radiation sources of the device 10 is interrupted to preventoperation of the lasers. Also included on the control panel is a modeswitch 95 configured to operate the device 10 in either single or duallaser mode. A numeric entry keypad 100 similar in design to a typicaltelephone keypad is mounted on the control for configuring the variousoperating parameters of the device 10 as described in more detail below.The keypad 100 is preferably a hermetically sealed, membrane keypad. Aresume switch 105 is also included that is operative to continueinterrupted operation.

[0064] An output display group on the control panel 70 includes variouscomponent status indicators. The indicators include, for example, lightemitting diodes (LEDs) 110, liquid crystal alphanumeric displays (LCDs)115, 120, and audio emitting event buzzers, not shown, each operative tosignal component and system status, to prompt the operator for neededinput, and to warn of system anomalies and malfunctions. The LCDs are,for example, back-lit, 4 line×20 character displays. The indicators canalso indicate the status of the foot pedal 40 and whether any accesspanels or doors of the main cabinet 20 are open. All access panels ordoors of the main cabinet 20 incorporate interlock sensors operative todisconnect power to the laser radiation sources or the device 10, orboth, for safety. Additional LEDs 110 and LCDs 115, 120 may also beincorporated to signal that the treatment room door is open or ajar.

[0065] Each of the treatment wands 125, 130 of the plurality 50 isconnected via fiber optic cables 135, 140 to radiation sources, notshown, inside the cabinet 20. The preferred fiber optic cable for usewith the present invention is approximately a 400 micron fiber.Referring now to FIG. 3, it will be observed that each treatment wand125, 130 incorporates a collimator lens 145 operative to focus thetreatment laser beam emitted from the fiber optic cables 135, 140 intothe desired beam shape and to project the beam outwardly. In oneembodiment of the present invention, the wands each also include anadjustable collimator holder 150 that can be adjusted to vary the shapeand focus of the emitted beam. An example of the preferred collimator145 is an aspheric collimator lens having a focal length ofapproximately 6.25 millimeters. Typical laser radiation energy losses ateach surface of the collimator 145 are, on average, about 4 percent.Therefore, each lens surface 146, 147 preferably includes ananti-reflection coating adapted to minimize the losses at each surfaceto approximately 0.5 percent. Additionally, the collimator 145 and theholder 150 are arranged to preferably emit a generally circular beamspot having an approximately 4 millimeter diameter. The wands arepreferably about 5 to 6 inches in length and are made of aluminum.However, they can be made from any suitable material including, forexample, metal, plastic, ceramic, glass, and combinations thereof.

[0066] With reference to FIG. 4, each treatment wand 125, 130 emitslaser radiation energy transmitted from at least one of a plurality oflaser radiation sources 155 that are preferably contained in a singleunit, heat sinked assembly 180. In the preferred embodiment, the laserradiation sources are selected to emit infrared or visible laserradiation, or both. In the preferred embodiment, infrared treatmentlaser radiation from one source 165 of the plurality 155 is combinedwith visible laser radiation from another source 170 of the plurality155 and transmitted into at least one of the fiber optic cables 135,140.

[0067] In this configuration, the positioning of the invisible infraredlaser radiation is emitted coincident with the visible laser radiationso that the operator can properly aim the infrared laser radiationemitted from each wand 125, 130 during therapy. Laser radiation sourcessuitable for use with the present invention include a high-power, Class4, infrared wavelength SSD laser and a Class 1 or 2, visible wavelengthSSD laser available from B. & W. Tek, Inc. of Newark, Del., U.S.A. Eachof these sources is combined into the single unit assembly 180. In thepreferred embodiment of the invention, the assembly 180 incorporates apower supply 185, 190 for each laser radiation source 165, 170. Also,available from B. & W. Tek is a combiner 195 configured to combine theinvisible and visible laser radiation energy into a single fiber opticcable 135, 140 via a releasable, SMA 906 compliant, fiber optic coupler200.

[0068] Each of the infrared treatment laser radiation sources 165 isadapted to emit Class 4 infrared treatment laser radiation with anadjustable power of preferably between approximately zero andapproximately 10.0 watts, and more preferably between approximately zeroand approximately 5.0 watts, and even more preferably betweenapproximately zero and approximately 2.0 watts. This capability assuresan emitted infrared treatment laser radiation power at the treatment endof each of the wands 125, 130 of preferably between about zero andapproximately 2.0 watts. These parameters account for many variablesincluding the ability of the biological tissue to absorb radiation andthe unavoidable power losses in the combiner 195, coupler 200, cables135, 140, and wands 125, 130. Additionally, each of the infraredtreatment laser radiation sources 165 is further configured to emitlaser radiation having a wavelength preferably between approximately 900nanometers (“run”) and approximately 1100 nm, and more preferablyapproximately 980 nm.

[0069] Each of the visible laser radiation sources 170 is preferablyconfigured to emit Class 1 to Class 2 laser radiation with either afixed or adjustable power of approximately 0.5 milliwatts toapproximately 6 milliwatts. This capability assures a visible emittedlaser radiation power at the treatment end of each of the wands 125, 130including the unavoidable power losses in the combiner 195, coupler 200,cables 135, 140, and wands 125, 130. Additionally, each of the visiblelaser radiation sources 170 is also configured to emit radiation havinga wavelength preferably between approximately 400 nm to approximately700 nm, and more preferably between about 635 nm and about 640 nm.

[0070] Although only four laser radiation sources 165, 170 are describedabove and shown in FIG. 4, the plurality 155 contemplates any number ofgreater and fewer laser sources configured to emit laser radiation atvarious power levels and wavelengths for one or more wands ortherapeutic treatment applicators or emitters. Additionally, although acircular beam shape of approximately 4 mm is disclosed, a wide varietyof feathered, diffused, Fresnel, traced, and other types of spread-outpatterns are also suitable for use with the present invention. Suchpatterns also include rectangular, square, oval, and ellipticalpatterns, as well as predetermined or random movably scanned or tracedbeam patterns that are adapted to be spread over a selected region or totrace a specific shape or pattern.

[0071] With reference to FIG. 1 and the block-diagram schematicrepresented in FIG. 5, the cabinet 20 incorporates various componentsinterconnected with the control panel 70, the laser radiation sources155 and wands 125, 130, and the foot pedal 40. The components areconfigured to control the laser radiation sources 165, 170 fortherapeutically effective biostimulation of human, animal, andexperimental biological tissues. The device 10 includes a single boardcomputer or controller component 210 that is preprogrammed to controleach of the other components and functions of the device 10. One exampleof a suitable controller 210 is the BASIC Stamp II-SX microcontrollerand accompanying chip set from Parallax, Inc., of Rocklin, Calif.,U.S.A. The controller 210 electronically communicates with a year 2000compliant clock such as the Pocket Watch B 220 from Solutions³(Solutions Cubed) of Chico, Calif., U.S.A., the audio emitter 170, andthe LCDs 115, 120. The controller 210 communicates directly with thelaser radiation sources 155 through both a multiplexer interface circuit230 and an information bus interface circuit 235 such as, for example,the I²C serial bus chip set available from Philips Semiconductors ofSunnyvale, Calif.. The keypad 100 electronically communicates with thecontroller 210 via the bus 235 through a decoder circuit 240 and an8-bit, quasi-bidirectional expander 245. The indicators 110 and theswitches 80, 85, 90, 95, 105 also communicate with the controller 210via the bus 235 through converters 245. An example of a decoder circuitor chip set 240 suitable for use in the present invention is the model74HC147 chip available from Harris Semiconductor, Inc. of Palm Bay,Fla., U.S.A. An example of a suitable 8-bit, quasi-bidirectionalexpander circuit or chip set 245 is the model PCF8574 I²C bus compatiblechip set available from Philips Semiconductors.

[0072] The controller 210 also communicates with and controls the power,duration, pulse frequency, and pulse width or duty cycle of the laserradiation sources 155 through the bus 235, and through various interfacecircuits. The primary interface circuit stage includes dual,independently operable 8-bit digital-to-analog converters 250, 255. Thefirst converter 250 is configured to provide a controlled output voltageof between approximately zero volts and approximately 1.25 volts and isadapted to drive the power output of the laser sources 155. The secondconverter 255 is configured to provide a controlled output of betweenapproximately zero volts and 5 volts and is adapted to drive a laserpulse frequency and duty cycle interface circuit. One example of anadequate converter 250, 255 is the model PCF8591 I²C bus compatibleconverter also available from Phillips Semiconductors.

[0073] The converter 255 drives a voltage controlled oscillator (“VCO”)260 configured to output a signal modulated between approximately 100Hertz (“Hz”) and 1,000 Hz. A suitable VCO 260 is the model AD654 VCOavailable from Analog Devices, Inc. of Norwood, Mass., U.S.A. The VCO260 electronically communicates with a pulse width modulator (“PWM”)circuit or chip set 265 that can be obtained as the model PALCE610 PWMavailable from Vantis Semiconductor, Inc. (formerly Altera Corporation)of San Jose, Calif.. The PWM 265 also communicates with the multiplexer230, through the laser driver interface 270, and with the laserradiation sources 155.

[0074] The controller 210 is programmed to accept operator input fromthe keypad 100 and the mode switch 95 in response to prompting displayedon the LCDs 115, 120 to obtain the desired power wattage and jouleenergy levels of the treatment laser radiation sources 165, and todetermine whether continuous wave or pulsed wave operation is needed forthe desired therapeutic treatment. The controller 210 then computes theduration of time required for application of the therapeutic lasertreatment. To accomplish this computation, the controller 210 isprogrammed, among other aspects, with a power to energy conversionequation that computes time in seconds as a function equal to energy injoules divided by power in watts (T=E×P). If the operator selects pulsedwave operation, the controller 210 prompts for the desired frequency andpulse width or duty cycle. As an example, the operator may select afrequency of one hertz (cycles per second) and a pulse width of 50%. Inthe preferred embodiment, the pulse width is adjustable betweenapproximately 0.1% and 100%. The controller 210 would then set the laserradiation source or sources to have a pulse frequency of one cycle persecond wherein the radiation pulse or pulses are on for 0.5 seconds andoff for 0.5 seconds. The controller 210 may also be programmed to adjustthe power wattage levels and joule energy levels, as well as thecontinuous wave or pulsed wave operation of each of the laser radiationsources synchronously or independently. Continuous wave operation isselected by specifying a pulse width or duty cycle of 100%. As anadditional safety feature, the controller 210 may be programmed to limitthe maximum time of treatment to, for example, 60 minutes. Additionally,the operator may similarly adjust the power level or “brightness” of thevisible laser radiation sources and to select a pulsed or continuouswave operation.

[0075] The controller 210 also preferably electronically communicateswith a hardware reset switch and a serial port interface circuit, notshown, but incorporated into the back plane of the cabinet 20. Thehardware-reset switch is preferably operative to perform a low-levelsystem reset in the event of hardware or software anomalies in device10. The serial port is configured to communicate with the controller 210for purposes of external software control of the device 10 or itscomponents, e.g., the lasers, or both. Also, the serial port can beconfigured to allow remote monitoring of device diagnostics, and toupload software upgrades to the device 10.

[0076] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 6A, and 6B, the device 10 is operatedby first energizing the power switch 80 on the control panel 70. Thepreprogrammed logic of the controller 210 initiates a system self-testsubroutine 300 and displays progress, system status, and operatorwelcome messages 310 on the LCDs 115, 120. The logic programmed into thecontroller 210 next scans the status 315 of the arming key switch 90. Anoperator's key must be inserted into the arming switch 90 before any ofthe laser radiation sources 165, 170 can be energized.

[0077] The controller 210 continuously scans the arming switch 90 andautomatically detects when the switch has been energized. Onceenergized, the controller 210 next executes a user prompt routine 320that displays operator prompts on the LCDs 115, 120 requesting thedesired parameter settings for the energy dosage in joules, powersetting in watts per wand, pulse frequency (if any), and pulse width orduty cycle. After the desired parameters have been entered via thekeypad 100, the controller 210 continues to execute routine 320 tocompute the time required to accomplish the procedure according to theentered parameters. After the time computation is completed, routine 330executes to energize the visible light and aiming laser radiationsources 170. At this point, the laser wands 125, 130 can be aimedbecause the visible wavelength laser beams are emitted from the wands.If the mode switch 95 has been adjusted to select single laseroperation, then only one of the aiming laser radiation sources 170 willbe energized. In alternative embodiments, although not shown in thefigures, either an analog switch or a keypad 100 entry can be made toadjust the intensity of the aiming laser radiation sources 170, ifneeded.

[0078] After the aiming laser radiation sources 170 have been energized,routine 335 is executed to ensure the key switch 90 remains energized,routine 340 is executed to ensure that all access doors are closed, androutine 345 is executed to make sure the foot pedal 40 is depressed. Ifall safety checks do not pass, then control is returned to routine 335.If the key switch 90 is no longer energized, then the aiming laserradiation sources are de-energized by routine 350 and control passesback to the welcome message prompt routine 310. Also, although notreflected in the various figures, opening of the treatment room entrydoor during treatment also executes routine 350. However, if all safetychecks pass, then routine 355 executes to check the mode switch 95. Ifsingle laser or dual laser operation is selected, then either routine360 or 365, respectively, is executed to energize either one or boththerapeutic laser radiation sources 165. If additional laser radiationsources are available, then the mode switch would be adjusted toestablish which of the plurality of laser radiation sources were to beenergized.

[0079] Once all of the selected lasers have been energized, routine 370executes to check the key switch 90. If de-energized, control passes toroutine 375 to de-energize all of the lasers 165, 170 and control passesto the welcome message prompt routine 310. Otherwise, routines 380, 385,and 390 execute to respectively check to ensure all access doors andpanels remain closed, that the pedal 40 remains depressed, and to checkif the mode switch 95 has been adjusted. If any of the cabinet doors oraccess panels have been opened, routine 395 executes to de-energize allof the laser radiation sources 165, 170. Although not reflected in thevarious figures, opening of the treatment entry door during treatmentalso executes routine 395. The operator is then prompted by“pause-resume” routine 400, which executes and sends a message to eitheror both of the LCDs 115, 120, and, if desired, a signal to the audioemitter 170. The operator may respond to the prompts and alerts bydepressing the resume switch 105, returning control to routine 330 toinitiate the series of pre-energization safety checks. Similarly, ifroutine 385 determines that the foot pedal 40 is no longer depressed,control passes to the “all lasers off” routine 395 and then to thepause-resume routine 400.

[0080] If all doors and panels have not been opened and remain closedand the foot pedal remains depressed, then mode switch check routine 390executes to poll the mode switch 95. If the switch 95 has been adjusted,then the second laser radiation source is accordingly energized byroutine 405 or de-energized by routine 410. Operation control thenproceeds to counter routine 420 which increments the time remaining forthe procedure as calculated initially by routine 320. Control thenpasses to timer routine 430. If the duration of time needed to completethe procedure has passed, then routine 435 executes to de-energize alllaser radiation sources 165, 170. The operator is queried by routine440, which sends a signal to the audio emitter 170, if desired, anddisplays prompts on the LCDs 115, 120, to determine whether thetherapeutic laser application procedure should be repeated. If not,control passes to the operator prompt routine 320. If the operatorelects to repeat the procedure, then control is transferred to routine330, and the above operations are repeated.

[0081] The present invention also includes a method for treatment oftissue. The method involves exposing the tissue to a plurality ofradiation sources having a wavelength of between approximately 900 nmand approximately 1100 nm. More generally, the method of treatment ofthe present invention involves the exposure of the tissue to a pluralityof converging beams of infrared radiation of between about 900 nm and1100 nm. Any embodiment of the device of the present invention,including but not limited to those previously described, can be used toperform this method of treatment.

[0082] Referring next to FIG. 7, the operator hands are shown holdingthe laser wands 125, 130 above the biological tissue “A” to be treated.As shown, the wands 125, 130 are preferably positioned so the beamsintersect at a region “B” of the biological tissue “A” undergoingtreatment. The wands 125, 130 are preferably oriented at an angle α(alpha) relative to each other and an angle θ (theta) to an imaginary,approximately horizontal reference line “C” passing through the tissueundergoing treatment so that the beams 127, 132 intersect. Theintersection of the emitted infrared, treatment laser radiationsignificantly improves the absorption of the energy by the tissue at andproximate to the region or point of intersection “B” of the beams 127,132. The operator preselects the region or regions to be treated and mayvary the location of the intersection region “B” by adjusting theposition and orientation of the wands 125, 130.

[0083] Obstacles to radiation penetration, such as oils or othersubstances on the surface of the skin, should be preferably removedbefore treatment because they may absorb, refract, reflect, and/ordiffract the incident radiation, and thereby decrease radiationpenetration

[0084] Although not shown in the figures, the invention alsocontemplates an automatic positioning device configured to fixedlyand/or changeably adjust the position and orientation of the wands 125,130 relative to one another and relative to the biological tissueundergoing therapeutic laser treatment. The positioning device isconfigured to adjust position and orientation of the wands 125, 130 intoan operative position with the emitted aiming and therapeutic laserbeams having an intersection region within the biological tissuereceiving the treatment similar to the description above and in FIG. 7.The positioning device may include an assembly operative toautomatically vary the relative positions and orientation of the wands125, 130 during the therapeutic laser application.

[0085] From the foregoing, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various modifications in the above described method andapparatus can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. Accordingly, the invention may be embodied in other specificforms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristicsthereof. Present embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in allrespects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the inventionbeing indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription, and all changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced thereby.

I claim:
 1. A device for photobiostimulation of biological tissue,comprising: a) a first treatment radiation source emitting a firstradiation beam having a wavelength of between approximately 900 nm andapproximately 1100 nm; b) a second aiming radiation source emitting arespective second radiation beam having a wavelength of betweenapproximately 400 nm and approximately 700 nm; wherein the first beamand the second beam concurrently pass through a fiber optic cable; c) atleast one wand connected to the fiber optic cable, the wand including acollimator configured to adjustably focus the emanating coincidentradiation beams; and wherein the wand is adapted to be arranged in anoperative position about the tissue such that the radiation beamsemitted from the wand irradiate a region located in the tissue.
 2. Thebiostimulation device of claim 1, wherein the treatment and aimingradiation sources incorporate light emitting diode lasers.
 3. Thebiostimulation device of claim 1, wherein the treatment radiation sourceemits radiation having a wavelength of approximately 980 nm.
 4. Thebiostimulation device of claim 1, wherein the aiming radiation sourceemits radiation having a wavelength of between approximately 635 nm andapproximately 640 nm.
 5. The biostimulation device of claim 1, whereinthe adjustable collimator is further adapted to vary the focus of theemitted radiation beam and the size of the area of irradiated tissue. 6.The biostimulation device of claim 1, wherein the treatment radiationsource is configured to emit adjustably pulsed radiation wherein thepulses have a frequency of between approximately 0.1 cycles per secondand approximately 100 cycles per second.
 7. The biostimulation device ofclaim 1, wherein the treatment radiation source is configured to emitcontinuous wave radiation.
 8. The biostimulation device of claim 1,wherein the treatment radiation source is configured to adjustably emitpulsed radiation wherein the pulse width is between approximately 0.1percent and 100 percent.
 9. The biostimulation device of claim 1,wherein the treatment radiation source is configured to adjust the powerlevel of the emitted radiation to have a power of between about zero andapproximately 2.0 watts.
 10. The biostimulation device of claim 9,wherein the treatment radiation source is configured to adjust theduration of the therapeutic laser radiation treatment to betweenapproximately 1 second and 3600 seconds.
 11. The biostimulation deviceof claim 1, wherein the treatment radiation source is configured toadjust the energy level of the emitted radiation to have an energy ofbetween approximately 1 joule and 99 joules.
 12. The biostimulationdevice of claim 11, wherein the treatment radiation source is configuredto adjust the duration of the therapeutic laser radiation treatment tobetween approximately 1 second and 3600 seconds.
 13. A biostimulationdevice, comprising: a) a laser apparatus including a plurality oftreatment laser wands both connected to a first laser radiation sourceadapted to emit radiation having a power of approximately between 1 and10 watts, an energy of between about 1 joule and about 99 joules, and awavelength of between approximately 900 nm and 1100 nm, and both wandsfurther connected to a second radiation source adapted to emit visiblelight; and b) wherein the laser wands are focusable and adapted to bearranged in an operative position to emit the radiation incident to aregion of biological tissue for a therapeutically effective length oftime.
 14. A method for the treatment of tissue, comprising the steps of:a) providing an infrared laser treatment radiation source having awavelength of between approximately 900 nm and approximately 1100 nm; b)providing a source of aiming laser radiation having a wavelength ofbetween approximately 400 nm and approximately 700 nm; c) combining theradiation sources so that the radiation of each source is coincident; d)passing the coincident radiation through at least one optical fiber; e)providing a wand connected to the at least one optical fiber thatincludes an adjustably focusable collimator; f) arranging the wand suchthat the radiation emitted from the wand passes through a region locatedwithin the tissue; and g) exposing the tissue to the laser radiation fora therapeutically effective period of time.
 15. The method according toclaim 14, further comprising the step of: h) adjusting the collimator tofocus the emitted radiation upon the surface of the irradiated tissue;and i) adjusting the collimator to vary the size of the treatment areaof the tissue.
 16. The method for the treatment of tissue of claim 14,wherein the treatment and aiming radiation sources incorporate lightemitting diode lasers.
 17. The method for the treatment of tissue ofclaim 14, wherein the treatment radiation source emits radiation havinga wavelength of approximately 980 nm.
 18. The method for the treatmentof tissue of claim 14, wherein the aiming radiation source emitsradiation having a wavelength of between approximately 635 nm andapproximately 640 nm.
 19. The method for the treatment of tissue ofclaim 14, wherein at least one of the wands incorporates an adjustablecollimator operative to vary the focus of the emitted radiation beam.20. The method for the treatment of tissue of claim 14, wherein thetreatment radiation source is configured to emit adjustably pulsedradiation wherein the pulses have a frequency of between approximately0.1 cycles per second and approximately 100 cycles per second.
 21. Themethod for the treatment of tissue of claim 14, wherein the treatmentradiation source is configured to emit continuous wave radiation. 22.The method for the treatment of tissue of claim 14, wherein thetreatment radiation source is configured to adjustably emit pulsedradiation wherein the pulse width is between approximately 0.1 percentand 100 percent.
 23. The method for the treatment of tissue of claim 14,wherein the treatment radiation source is configured to adjust the powerlevel of the emitted radiation to have a power of between about zero andapproximately 2.0 watts.
 24. The method for the treatment of tissue ofclaim 23, wherein the treatment radiation source is configured to adjustthe duration of the therapeutic laser radiation treatment to betweenapproximately 1 second and 3600 seconds.
 25. The method for thetreatment of tissue of claim 14, wherein the treatment radiation sourceis configured to adjust the energy level of the emitted radiation tohave an energy of between approximately 1 joule and approximately 99joules.
 26. The method for the treatment of tissue of claim 25, whereinthe treatment radiation source is configured to adjust the duration ofthe therapeutic laser radiation treatment to between approximately 1second and 3600 seconds.
 27. A system for photobiostimulation ofbiological tissue, comprising: a) a controller unit including a powersupply and a control panel having operator input devices and outputdevices; b) the controller unit also including a first treatmentradiation source emitting a first radiation beam having a wavelength ofbetween approximately 900 nm and approximately 1100 nm; c) thecontroller unit also including an aiming radiation source emitting asecond radiation beam having a wavelength of between approximately 400nm and approximately 700 nm; wherein the first radiation beam and thesecond radiation beam concurrently pass through at least one of aplurality of fiber optic cables; and d) a wand connected to the at leastone of the plurality of fiber optic cables, the wand including avariably adjustable collimator configured to adjust the emanatingcoincident radiation beams; wherein the wands are adapted to be arrangedin an operative position about the tissue to irradiate a region of thetissue.
 28. A device for photobiostimulation of biological tissue,comprising: a) a first treatment radiation source emitting a firstradiation beam having a wavelength of between approximately 900 nm andapproximately 1100 nm; b) a second aiming radiation source emitting asecond radiation beam having a wavelength of between approximately 400nm and approximately 700 nm; wherein the first beam and the second beamconcurrently pass through at least one of a plurality of fiber opticcables; and c) a wand connected to the at least one of the plurality offiber optic cables, the wand including a collimator configured to adjustthe shape of the emanating radiation beam; wherein the wand is adaptedto be arranged in an operative position about the tissue to irradiate aregion of the tissue.
 29. A device for photobiostimulation of biologicaltissue, comprising: a) a treatment radiation source emitting arespective first radiation beam having a wavelength of betweenapproximately 900 nm and approximately 1100 nm; b) a second aimingradiation source emitting a respective second radiation beam having awavelength of between approximately 400 nm and approximately 700 nm;wherein the first beam and second beam concurrently pass through a fiberoptic cable; and c) a wand connected to the fiber optic cable, andincluding a collimator configured to adjust the focus of the emanatingradiation beam; wherein the wand is adapted to be arranged in anoperative position about the tissue such that the radiation beam emittedfrom the wand illuminates a region located in the tissue.
 30. A devicefor photobiostimulation of biological tissue, comprising: a) a firsttreatment radiation source emitting a first radiation beam having awavelength of between approximately 900 nm and approximately 1100 nm; b)a second radiation source emitting a second radiation beam having awavelength of between approximately 400 nm and approximately 700 nm;wherein at least one first beam and one second beam concurrently passthrough at least two of a plurality of fiber optic cables; and c) atleast two wands each connected to a different one of the plurality offiber optic cables, the wands including a variable collimator configuredto establish the focus of the emanating coincident radiation beams;wherein the wands are adapted to be arranged in an operative positionabout the tissue such that the radiation beams emitted from each wandsimultaneously pass approximately through a region located in thetissue.
 31. The biostimulation device of claim 30, wherein the treatmentand aiming radiation sources incorporate light emitting diode lasers.32. The biostimulation device of claim 30, wherein the treatmentradiation source emits radiation having a wavelength of approximately980 nm.
 33. The biostimulation device of claim 30, wherein the aimingradiation source emits radiation having a wavelength of betweenapproximately 635 nm and approximately 640 nm.
 34. The biostimulationdevice of claim 30, wherein at least one of the wands incorporates anadjustable collimator operative to vary the focus of the emittedradiation beam.
 35. The biostimulation device of claim 30, wherein thetreatment radiation source is configured to emit adjustably pulsedradiation wherein the pulses have a frequency of between approximately0.1 cycles per second and approximately 100 cycles per second.
 36. Thebiostimulation device of claim 30, wherein the treatment radiationsource is configured to emit continuous wave radiation.
 37. Thebiostimulation device of claim 30, wherein the treatment radiationsource is configured to adjustably emit pulsed radiation wherein thepulse width is between approximately 0.1 percent and 100 percent. 38.The biostimulation device of claim 30, wherein the treatment radiationsource is configured to adjust the power level of the emitted radiationto have a power of between zero and approximately 2.0 watts.
 39. Thebiostimulation device of claim 38, wherein the treatment radiationsource is configured to adjust the duration of the therapeutic laserradiation treatment to between approximately 1 second and 3600 seconds.40. The biostimulation device of claim 30, wherein the treatmentradiation source is configured to adjust the energy level of the emittedradiation to have a power of between approximately 1 joule and 99joules.
 41. The biostimulation device of claim 40, wherein the treatmentradiation source is configured to adjust the duration of the therapeuticlaser radiation treatment to between approximately 1 second and 3600seconds.
 42. A method for the treatment of tissue, comprising the stepsof: a) providing at least one infrared laser treatment radiation sourcehaving a wavelength of between approximately 900 nm and approximately1100 nm; b) providing at least one source of aiming laser radiationhaving a wavelength of between approximately 400 nm and approximately700 nm; c) combining the radiation sources so that the radiation of eachsource is coincident; d) passing the coincident radiation through atleast two optical fibers; e) providing at least two wands, eachconnected to a different one of the at least two optical fibers, thewands each including a variably focusable collimator; f) arranging thewands such that the radiation emitted from the wands simultaneouslypasses through a region located within the tissue; and g) exposing thetissue to the laser radiation for a therapeutically effective period oftime.
 43. The method for the treatment of tissue of claim 42, whereinthe treatment and aiming radiation sources incorporate light emittingdiode lasers.
 44. The method for the treatment of tissue of claim 42,wherein the treatment radiation source emits radiation having awavelength of approximately 980 nm.
 45. The method for the treatment oftissue of claim 42, wherein the aiming radiation source emits radiationhaving a wavelength of between approximately 635 nm and approximately640 nm.
 46. The method for the treatment of tissue of claim 42, whereinat least one of the wands incorporates an adjustable collimatoroperative to vary the focus of the emitted radiation beam.
 47. Themethod for the treatment of tissue of claim 42, wherein the treatmentradiation source is configured to emit adjustably pulsed radiationwherein the pulses have a frequency of between approximately 0.1 cyclesper second and approximately 100 cycles per second.
 48. The method forthe treatment of tissue of claim 42, wherein the treatment radiationsource is configured to emit continuous wave radiation.
 49. The methodfor the treatment of tissue of claim 42, wherein the treatment radiationsource is configured to adjustably emit pulsed radiation wherein thepulse width is between approximately 0.1 percent and 100 percent. 50.The method for the treatment of tissue of claim 42, wherein thetreatment radiation source is configured to adjust the power level ofthe emitted radiation to have a power of between zero and approximately2.0 watts.
 51. The method for the treatment of tissue of claim 50,wherein the treatment radiation source is configured to adjust theduration of the therapeutic laser radiation treatment to betweenapproximately 1 second and 3600 seconds.
 52. The method for thetreatment of tissue of claim 42, wherein the treatment radiation sourceis configured to adjust the energy level of the emitted radiation tohave a power of between approximately 1 joule and 99 joules.
 53. Themethod for the treatment of tissue of claim 52, wherein the treatmentradiation source is configured to adjust the duration of the therapeuticlaser radiation treatment to between approximately 1 second and 3600seconds.
 54. A system for photobiostimulation of biological tissue,comprising: a) a controller unit including a power supply and a controlpanel having operator input devices and output devices; b) thecontroller unit also including a first treatment radiation sourceemitting a first radiation beam having a wavelength of betweenapproximately 900 nm and approximately 1100 nm; c) the controller unitalso including a second aiming radiation source emitting a secondradiation beam having a wavelength of between approximately 400 nm andapproximately 700 nm; wherein the first radiation beam and the secondradiation beam concurrently pass through at least two of a plurality offiber optic cables; and d) at least two wands each connected to adifferent one of the plurality of fiber optic cables, the wandsincluding a variably adjustable collimator configured to establish theshape and focus of the emanating coincident radiation beams; wherein thewands are adapted to be arranged in an operative position about thetissue such that the radiation beams emitted from each wandsimultaneously pass approximately through a region located in thetissue.
 55. A device for photobiostimulation of biological tissue,comprising: a) a first treatment radiation source emitting a firstradiation beam having a wavelength of between approximately 900 nm andapproximately 1100 nm; b) a second radiation source emitting a secondradiation beam having a wavelength of between approximately 400 nm andapproximately 700 nm; wherein the first beam and the second beamconcurrently pass through at least two of a plurality of fiber opticcables; and c) at least two wands each connected to a different one ofthe plurality of fiber optic cables, at least one of the wands includinga collimator configured to adjust the shape of the emanating radiationbeam; wherein the wands are adapted to be arranged in an operativeposition about the tissue such that the radiation beams emitted fromeach wand simultaneously pass approximately through a region located inthe tissue.
 56. A system for photobiostimulation of biological tissue,comprising: a) a controller unit including a power supply and a controlpanel having operator input devices and output devices; b) thecontroller unit also including a first treatment radiation sourceemitting a first radiation beam having a wavelength of betweenapproximately 900 nm and approximately 1100 nm; c) the controller unitalso including a second aiming radiation source emitting a secondradiation beam having a wavelength of between approximately 400 nm andapproximately 700 nm; wherein the first radiation beam and the secondradiation beam concurrently pass through at least two of a plurality offiber optic cables; and d) at least two wands each connected to adifferent one of the plurality of fiber optic cables, the wandsincluding a variably adjustable collimator; wherein the wands areadapted to be arranged in an operative position about the tissue suchthat the radiation beams emitted from each wand simultaneously passapproximately through a region located in the tissue.
 57. A method forthe treatment of tissue, comprising the steps of: a) providing at leastone infrared laser treatment radiation source having a wavelength ofbetween approximately 900 nm and approximately 1100 nm; b) providing atleast one source of aiming laser radiation having a wavelength ofbetween approximately 400 nm and approximately 700 nm; c) combining theradiation sources so that the radiation of each source is coincident; d)passing the coincident radiation through at least two optical fibers; e)providing at least two wands, connected to the optical fibers, whereinat least one wand includes a variably adjustable collimator; f)arranging the wands such that the radiation emitted from the wandssimultaneously passes through a region located within the tissue; and g)exposing the tissue to the laser radiation for a therapeuticallyeffective period of time.